A University of California four-week summer program for 8th to 12th graders requires a fair amount of paperwork and has a March 15th deadline, but it has many perks...

It's the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science. That's the answer, from the University of California system, to the state's request to provide a motivator for kids to aim at careers in math and science. It gives a taste of what it's like to work in astronomy, wetlands ecology, ocean science, robotics, game theory, aerospace engineering, or the biomedical sciences.

All this is bound to be more exciting than 8th grade general science, and just might light up enough enthusiasm in kids to drive them through the challenging preparatory courses.

The program is staffed by faculty of the University of California, California State Universities, and private colleges, as well as graduate students and master teachers in California high schools. Staff includes a number of Nobel laureates. Four campuses serve as hosts: San Diego, Irvine, Davis, and Santa Cruz.

The emphasis is unique to each location. At San Diego, it's ocean science, bioengineering, and computer systems. At Irvine, it's astronomy, neuroscience, and math games. At Davis, it's biotechnology, robotics, and climate change. At Santa Cruz, it's marine mammals and computer games.

Online application is available. Kids are asked to list each math and science class they've had in grades 8-12, and tell what grade they got. (It's important to be precise: they'll be asked to get a transcript from the school later on.) Then they're asked to list any related activities (such as clubs or science fairs) that they've participated in; certainly, if they've taken any prizes, those should be mentioned. Two of the math or science teachers need to agree to provide recommendations (they need to be asked first, and be willing to provide their emails).

It looks like fun: they'll live on campus during the month of July, and have the time of their lives --- spread the word!